Where is the circulation pump installed in the heating system? How to install a heating pump

Installing a circulation pump in homes with an individual heating system ensures uniform and high-quality heat distribution throughout all rooms of the house.

Closed heating systems require forced circulation of hot water. This function is performed by circulation pumps, which consist of a metal motor or rotor attached to a housing, most often made of stainless steel. The release of the coolant is ensured by the impeller. It is located on the rotor shaft. This entire system is driven by an electric motor.

Circulation pump

Also in the design of the described installations there are the following elements:

shut-off and check valves;
flow part (usually made of bronze alloy);
thermostat (it protects the pump from overheating and ensures economical operation of the device);
work timer;
connector (male).

When installed in a heating system, the pump draws in water and then delivers it into the pipeline due to centrifugal force. This force is generated when the impeller produces rotational movements. The circulation pump will work effectively only if the pressure it creates can easily cope with the resistance (hydraulic) of various components of the heating system (radiator, pipeline itself).

Various circulation units can be installed in the heating system of a private house. They are divided into two large groups. The circulation pump can be “dry” or “wet”. When installing devices of the first type with your own hands, you should take into account that their motor is separated from the working part by sealing rings. They are made from stainless steel. During the startup of the installation, the process of movement of these rings begins, which leads to sealing of the connection with a water (very thin) film. The latter is located between the seals.

Circulation pump unit

High-quality sealing in this case is ensured due to the fact that the pressure in the external atmosphere and in the heating system itself is characterized by different indicators. A “dry” pump makes quite loud sounds when operating. In this regard, its installation is always carried out in a specially soundproofed separate room of a private house. The efficiency of such a circulation unit is at the level of 80%.

There are three types of “dry” devices for connecting to the heating system: horizontal, vertical, block. The electric motor in units of the first type is placed horizontally. The discharge pipe is attached to them on the body of the device, and the suction pipe is attached to the shaft (on its front side). In vertical installations, the pipes are on the same axis. And the engine in this case is located vertically. In block circulation units, heated water exits radially and enters the system in the axial direction.

Caring for a “dry” unit is objectively difficult. Its elements must be regularly lubricated with a special compound. If this is not done, the mechanical seals will quickly fail, causing the pump to stop. In addition, in a private home, “dry” devices should be placed in rooms where there is no dust. Its turbulence during equipment operation often causes depressurization of the pump.

In “wet” units, the lubricant function is performed by the coolant itself. The impeller and rotor of such installations are immersed in water. “Wet” devices are much less noisy and easier to install with your own hands. And their maintenance is simpler compared to “dry” pumps.

The body of a “wet” installation is usually made of brass or bronze. Between the stator and the rotor there is always a special stainless steel separator. It's called a glass. It is necessary to provide the required tightness to the engine (more precisely, its elements under electrical voltage). It is “wet” units that are most often installed in a heating system in a private home.

They do a good job of heating relatively small areas. Such devices are not suitable for large objects, since their productivity usually does not exceed 50%. The low efficiency of “wet” installations is due to the impossibility of high-quality sealing of the cup placed between the stator and the rotor.

The key indicator that determines the efficiency of the circulation pump is its power. For a household heating system, there is no need to try to purchase the highest-power installation. It will only make a loud noise and waste electricity.

Mounted circulation pump

hot water pressure indicator;
pipe section;
productivity and throughput of the heating boiler;
coolant temperature.

Hot water consumption is determined simply. It is equal to the power indicator of the heating unit. If, for example, you have a 20 kW unit, no more than 20 liters of water will be consumed per hour. The pressure of the circulation unit for the heating system for every 10 m of pipes is about 50 cm. The longer the pipeline, the more powerful the pump you need to purchase. Here you should immediately pay attention to the thickness of the pipe products. The resistance to water movement in the system will be stronger if you install pipes with a small cross-section.

In pipelines with a diameter of half an inch, the coolant flow rate is 5.7 liters per minute at the generally accepted (1.5 m/s) speed of water movement, with a diameter of 1 inch - 30 liters. But for pipes with a cross-section of 2 inches, the flow rate will already be at the level of 170 liters. Always select the diameter of the pipes in such a way that you do not have to overpay extra money for energy resources.

The flow rate of the pump itself is determined by the following ratio: N/t2-t1. In this formula, t1 refers to the temperature of the water in the return pipes (usually it is 65–70 °C), and t2 is the temperature provided by the heating unit (at least 90 °C). And the letter N denotes the boiler power (this value is in the equipment passport). The pump pressure is set according to the standards accepted in our country and Europe. It is believed that 1 kW of power of a circulation unit is quite enough for high-quality heating of 1 square meter of a private home.

Circulation pumps are installed in two ways. The first connection diagram for the unit is two-pipe. This connection method is described by a high temperature difference in the system and variable coolant flow. The second scheme is one-pipe. In this case, the temperature difference in will be insignificant, and the media consumption will be constant.

Installed circulation pump

Connect the pump yourself according to the instructions that come with the unit. It also indicates the installation procedure for the functional reinforcement chain. Before installing the pump, be sure to drain all water from the system. Often there is a need to clean it. During the operation of the heating boiler, a lot of debris accumulates on the internal surfaces of the pipes, which worsens the technical performance of the system.

Experts advise placing the circulation unit in front of the boiler - on the return line. This is done in order to eliminate the risk of boiling of an open type heating system due to the vacuum that is created when installing the supply pump. In addition, if you install a circulation unit on the return line, its trouble-free operation will be significantly increased due to the fact that it will operate at lower temperatures.

The pump installation procedure itself looks like this:

Make a bypass (in professional slang - bypass) in the area where the pump will be located. The bypass diameter is always taken to be slightly smaller compared to the cross-section of the main pipe.
Mount (strictly horizontally) the shaft of the pumping device, and place the terminal box on top.
Place valves (ball valves) on both sides of the pump.
Install the filter. It is not recommended to operate the equipment without this device.
Place an automatic (or manual) release valve above the bypass line. This device will allow you to clean air pockets that regularly form in the system.

Next, valves (shut-off) are installed at the inlet-outlet section of the circulation unit. For an open heating system, an expansion tank is additionally required (not installed in closed complexes). The final stage of installation work is the treatment of all connection points of various elements of the system with a good sealant.

Circulation pumps are installed in heating systems with forced or natural circulation. It is needed to increase heat transfer and to be able to regulate the temperature in the room. Installing a circulation pump is not the most difficult task; if you have a minimum of skills, you can do it yourself, with your own hands.

What is a circulation pump and why is it needed?

A circulation pump is a device that changes the speed of a liquid medium without changing pressure. In heating systems it is installed for more efficient heating. In systems with forced circulation it is a mandatory element, in gravity systems it can be installed if it is necessary to increase the thermal power. Installing a circulation pump with several speeds makes it possible to change the amount of heat transferred depending on the outside temperature, thus maintaining a stable temperature in the room.

Cross-section of a circulation pump with a wet rotor

There are two types of such units - with a dry and wet rotor. Devices with a dry rotor have a high efficiency (about 80%), but are very noisy and require regular maintenance. Units with a wet rotor operate almost silently; with normal coolant quality, they can pump water without failure for more than 10 years. They have a lower efficiency (about 50%), but their characteristics are more than sufficient for heating any private home.

Where to put

It is recommended to install a circulation pump after the boiler, before the first branch, but on the supply or return pipeline it doesn’t matter. Modern units are made from materials that can withstand temperatures up to 100-115°C. There are few heating systems that work with a hotter coolant, so considerations of a more “comfortable” temperature are untenable, but if you feel safer, put it in the return line.

There is no difference in hydraulics - the boiler, and the rest of the system; it makes absolutely no difference whether there is a pump in the supply or return branch. What matters is the correct installation, in the sense of strapping, and the correct orientation of the rotor in space. Nothing else matters.

There is one important point regarding the installation location. If the heating system has two separate branches - on the right and left wings of the house or on the first and second floor - it makes sense to install a separate unit on each, and not one common one - directly after the boiler. Moreover, the same rule remains on these branches: immediately after the boiler, before the first branch in this heating circuit. This will make it possible to set the required thermal conditions in each part of the house independently of the other, and also in two-story houses to save on heating. How? Due to the fact that the second floor is usually much warmer than the first floor and much less heat is required there. If there are two pumps in the branch that goes up, the speed of the coolant is set much lower, and this allows you to burn less fuel, without compromising the comfort of living.

Harness

There are two types of heating systems - forced and natural circulation. Systems with forced circulation cannot work without a pump; systems with natural circulation work, but in this mode they have lower heat transfer. However, less heat is still much better than no heat at all, so in areas where electricity is often cut off, the system is designed as hydraulic (with natural circulation), and then a pump is installed into it. This gives high heating efficiency and reliability. It is clear that the installation of a circulation pump in these systems is different.

All heating systems with heated floors are forced - without a pump, the coolant will not pass through such large circuits

Forced circulation

Since a forced circulation heating system without a pump is inoperative, it is installed directly into the gap in the supply or return pipe (of your choice).

Most problems with the circulation pump arise due to the presence of mechanical impurities (sand, other abrasive particles) in the coolant. They can jam the impeller and stop the motor. Therefore, a mesh dirt filter must be placed in front of the unit.

Installing a circulation pump in a forced circulation system

It is also advisable to install ball valves on both sides. They will make it possible to replace or repair the device without draining the coolant from the system. Turn off the taps and remove the unit. Only that part of the water that was directly in this piece of the system is drained.

Natural circulation

The piping of the circulation pump in gravity systems has one significant difference - a bypass is required. This is a jumper that makes the system operational when the pump is not working. One ball shut-off valve is installed on the bypass, which is closed the entire time the pumping is running. In this mode, the system operates as forced.

When the electricity goes out or the unit fails, the valve on the jumper is opened, the valve leading to the pump is closed, and the system operates as a gravity system.

Installation features

There is one important point, without which the installation of the circulation pump will require rework: it is necessary to rotate the rotor so that it is directed horizontally. The second point is the direction of flow. There is an arrow on the body indicating which direction the coolant should flow. This is how you turn the unit so that the direction of movement of the coolant is “in the direction of the arrow”.

The pump itself can be installed both horizontally and vertically, just when selecting a model, make sure that it can work in both positions. And one more point: with a vertical arrangement, the power (pressure created) drops by about 30%. This must be taken into account when choosing a model.

Power connection

The circulation pumps operate from a 220 V network. The connection is standard; a separate power supply line with a circuit breaker is desirable. The connection requires three wires - phase, neutral and ground.

The connection to the network itself can be organized using a three-pin socket and plug. This connection method is used if the pump comes with a connected power wire. It can also be connected via a terminal block or directly with a cable to the terminals.

The terminals are located under a plastic cover. We remove it by unscrewing several bolts and find three connectors. They are usually labeled (the pictograms are N - neutral wire, L - phase, and “ground” has an international designation), so it’s hard to make a mistake.

Since the entire system depends on the performance of the circulation pump, it makes sense to make a backup power supply - install a stabilizer with connected batteries. With such a power supply system, everything will work for several days, since the pump itself and the boiler automation “pulls” electricity to a maximum of 250-300 W. But when organizing, you need to calculate everything and select the battery capacity. The disadvantage of such a system is the need to ensure that the batteries do not discharge.

A device such as a heating circulation pump can increase the efficiency of autonomous heating systems in country houses and country houses. Installing this pump in a heating system is not particularly difficult, so you can perform this procedure yourself, with at least minimal skills in working with technical devices, without the involvement of qualified specialists.

Purpose of circulation pumps

The main task that circulation pumps for heating boilers solve is to ensure constant movement of the liquid transmitting thermal energy through the pipeline without changing the flow pressure. Thus, constantly moving through the pipeline at a certain speed, heated water contributes to better transfer of thermal energy to the elements of the heating system and, accordingly, faster and more efficient heating of rooms.

Installing a circulation pump in a heating system operating on the principle of forced recirculation is a prerequisite. Such devices are also installed in heating systems with natural coolant circulation to increase their thermal power. Many modern models of circulation pumps can operate at different speeds and are equipped with a special switch that allows you to select the required operating mode.

Using adjustable circulation pumps, you can effectively control the operation of the heating system, turning it on to the maximum level of heat transfer when it gets very cold outside, and setting the economical operating mode after a comfortable air temperature has been established in the heated rooms. Certain models of adjustable pumps for heating boilers can operate in auto mode, responding to changes in air temperature in heated rooms and switching to the required rate of coolant supply into the pipeline system.

According to their design, circulation pumps installed on heating systems are divided into two large categories: with a “dry” and “wet” rotor. Devices with a “dry” rotor have higher efficiency and productivity, but they produce loud noise during operation and are more difficult to maintain and repair. Hydraulic machines with a “wet” rotor are characterized by ease of maintenance and high reliability and, if the required quality of the coolant is ensured, they can last more than ten years without failure.

In addition, circulation pumps of this type produce minimal noise during operation. Even the low efficiency and performance of pumping devices with a “wet” rotor is quite enough to ensure the efficient operation of the heating system of a private house or country house.

How to choose the right installation location

Before installing the circulation pump, you need to determine the most suitable location for installation. Typically, such a pump in a heating system is installed after the boiler, on a section of the pipeline located before the first branch. In this case, there is no significant difference in which of the pipelines (supply or return) of the pipeline the heating pump is installed on. To manufacture circulation pump equipment, manufacturers use materials that can withstand water temperatures in the system reaching 100–115 ° , therefore, installing such a device even on the supply line, where the coolant temperature is maximum, will not cause any harm to it. The hydraulic characteristics of the heating system and all the elements that are included in it are also not negatively affected by which of the pipeline lines the circulation pump is installed on.

How to install a heating pump? The main attention should be paid to how the pump is wired and how the rotor is oriented. In heating systems consisting of two separate branches (circuits), each of which works to heat different parts of the house or its floors, it is better to install two circulation pumps - for each circuit separately. The installation diagram for circulation pumps on each branch of the heating system is left the same - immediately after the boiler and before the first branch on the pipeline.

The use of a separate pump for each branch of the heating system allows you to regulate the heat transfer of each of these heating circuits, creating the required temperature regime in the rooms served by such circuits.

If the first and second floors of the house are served by separate heating circuits, the use of two circulation pumps will also allow saving on heating the building. This saving lies in the fact that heating the upper floors, where the air temperature is always higher, requires less thermal energy from the heating system. Accordingly, the circulation pump serving the heating circuit of the upper floors can be set to a lower operating speed, which will save on energy resources used to heat water in the boiler.

Strapping schemes

The connection diagram for the boiler pump depends on the type of heating system on which such a device is installed. As mentioned above, there are heating systems with forced or natural circulation of coolant. The former simply do not work without such pumping equipment, the latter work, but are characterized by low heat transfer. Typically, heating systems, which can operate with or without a circulation pump, are used to equip homes located in areas where there are frequent power outages. The use of such combined options allows you to maintain heat in the house, regardless of the presence of voltage in the centralized power supply network. In cases where electric current does not flow into the house, the heating system, although with less heat transfer, operates without a circulation pump.

Installation in heating systems with forced circulation of coolant

Installation of the pump in the heating system of a private house, which was originally designed taking into account the use of such a device, is carried out in a break in the supply or return pipe of the circuit. A very common reason for the incorrect operation of the circulation pump and even its failure is the low quality of the coolant, the presence of sand and other insoluble impurities in its composition. This reason is especially true in cases where an open heating system is used to heat the house.

Solid insoluble particles contained in the coolant often cause the impeller to jam and subsequently stop the drive motor. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to install a coarse mesh filter on the section of the pipeline through which the coolant enters the pump.

To properly install the circulation pump in the heating system, it is necessary to install ball valves on both sides of such a device. These taps are needed so that during maintenance or repair of the pump the coolant does not drain from the entire pipeline.

Installation in heating systems with natural coolant circulation

To install a pump for a heating boiler serving a system with natural coolant circulation, it is necessary to use a bypass. This is a pipe jumper along which the coolant moves in the heating system in cases where the electric pump installed on it does not work.

A ball-type valve is mounted on the bypass, which is closed during normal operation of the circulation pump. In cases where the hydraulic machine does not work for some reason and, accordingly, cannot provide the required coolant circulation, the valve on the bypass is opened, and on the section of the pipe that goes to the pump is closed. Thus, the pump is cut off from the heating circuit, and the coolant begins to move through it naturally.

Installation features

When wondering how to properly install a pump that will ensure efficient circulation of coolant in heating pipes, you should take into account a number of important nuances. The first of these nuances is that the rotor of the pumps must be positioned strictly horizontally when installing them. This requirement is explained by the fact that only with this arrangement of the pump with a “wet” rotor will all moving elements of its internal structure be effectively lubricated and, accordingly, will be able to avoid excessive friction and overheating.

The second point that should be taken into account when installing a recirculation pump for heating is the direction of coolant flow in the pipeline. There is an arrow on the body of any circulation pump that indicates in which direction the coolant should move through such a device. It is not difficult to carry out installation using this hint from the manufacturers: we look in which direction the coolant flow in the pipeline is moving, pay attention to the direction of the arrow on the pump body and install it in the correct position. It should be borne in mind that incorrect actions to install the pump on the heating circuit can lead not only to incorrect operation of such a device, but also to its rapid failure.

When choosing a circulation pump to equip your heating system, keep in mind that some models of such devices can be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions. In the latter case, the pump can lose up to 30% of the pressure that is formed in the discharge line.

Connecting the device to the power supply

When connecting the pump to the electrical network, which requires the use of three wires (phase, neutral and ground wire), it is better to use an individual line equipped with a circuit breaker.

How to properly install a pump in a heating system that already operates using natural circulation?

How to install a pump in a heating system being designed for a new home? Which shut-off valves can be used and which ones should not? Let's try to find out.

Why do you need a pump?

Let's start with the main thing: find out whether it is necessary to install a pump on the heating if it has been working properly without it for many years. What will change?

pros

The inertia of the system will sharply decrease. If, with natural circulation, at least an hour can pass between the ignition of the boiler and the noticeable heating of radiators far from it, then with forced injection of coolant, the house will begin to warm up within a matter of minutes.
The temperature of the heating devices will level out. A feature of any gravity system is the unequal heating of radiators closest to the boiler and those farthest from it. The coolant, which circulates rather slowly, manages to cool down before it completes a full circle around the circuit.
If, when laying pipes, they are mounted somewhere with a negative slope, this will not affect the circulation. Installing a pump in the heating system will sharply increase the pressure drop, and the air pockets that are inevitable during a counterslope will no longer be a hindrance.

However: continuous gurgling when there is air in the circuit can be annoying. Functionality is functionality, but it is still better to take care of the possibility of venting air from everywhere.

Minuses

Are there any downsides to systems with a circulation pump?

The price of a kilowatt-hour of electricity is growing steadily, and the pump consumes it. Albeit a little - no more than 100 watts at maximum speed.

If the heating system is designed only for forced circulation, the very first long power outage will have an extremely unpleasant surprise in store for the home owner. Overheating of the coolant by the boiler can cause destruction of the heating circuit, and stopping circulation can lead to subsequent defrosting.

conclusions

If doing something with the electricity consumption of an electric pump is, by definition, problematic, then the second problem can be solved. Moreover, the solution is obvious: when designing a system, it is necessary to include in the design the ability to work using natural circulation.

Installing the pump

Position relative to the horizon

How to install a heating pump correctly in terms of its service life? Surely there are factors that can lead to accelerated wear of the mechanics.

The instructions are related to the operating features of the mechanical part of the device. The design of a heating pump, used to create individual heating systems of moderate power, involves continuous cooling of the rotor and shaft with bearings by circulating coolant.

To prevent air locks from leaving the bearings without lubrication and cooling, the motor shaft must be positioned strictly horizontally.

Water filtration

It is highly advisable to install a sump tank in front of the pump. Its function is to filter out the inevitable sand, scale and other abrasive particles that destroy the impeller and bearings of the circulation pump.

Since the diameter of the pump insert is usually small, an ordinary coarse filter is quite suitable. The barrel intended for collecting suspended matter should be directed downwards - this way it will not interfere with the circulation of water, even when it is already partially filled.

Attention: on most filters, an arrow indicates the recommended direction of water circulation when installing it. Yes, the filter will perform its function even if installed incorrectly; however, you will have to clean it much more often, and it will be much more difficult to remove ALL the sediment.

Pump location in the circuit

Formally, modern pumps work equally well on both supply and return in any part of the heating circuit. However:

The higher the temperature of the coolant, the lower the service life of the bearings and all plastic parts of the device. From this point of view, it is still necessary to embed it on the return pipeline, directly in front of the boiler.
It is recommended to install the expansion tank in a section of the circuit with the coolant flow as close to laminar as possible. After the pump, the flow will inevitably be turbulent. Hence the second amendment: the circulation pump cuts in before the boiler and after the expansion tank.

The optimal condition for an expansion tank is a water flow with a minimum of turbulence. Before the pump, the flow in the circuit is almost laminar.

Bypass

Remember our thoughts that it is highly desirable for the heating to work even when the electricity is turned off? Albeit with less efficiency?

How to install a heating pump with your own hands so that it does not interfere with natural circulation?

Let's think out loud for a bit. The gravity system is characterized, first of all, by a minimal difference between supply and return. Therefore, for an acceptable circulation rate, a minimum hydraulic resistance of the circuit is required.

What increases it?

Rotations and bends of the contour.
ANY shut-off valves.

By the way: it is from this point of view that only modern ball valves should be used in any autonomous heating system. Unlike their screw counterparts, they offer minimal resistance to water flow when open. To understand why this is so, take a look at an open valve of this type.

Reducing the pipe diameter.

Conclusions?

The pump runs parallel to the main circuit without breaking it. For the gravity system to operate, the diameter of the circuit must be no less than DN32; The diameter of the pump insert is much smaller.
A valve is installed between the taps, completely shutting off the main circuit when the pump is operating. Otherwise, it will work, driving water in a circle between cuts.
Valves are installed before and after the pump, allowing you to cut off the faulty device and dismantle it in the event of a malfunction without resetting the entire heating.

This insertion scheme has a weak point - the need to manually switch from the pump to the bypass when turning off the light. Yes, if you are at home, it is difficult not to notice a power outage; but what if everyone in your household is away?

The solution is a check valve. In normal mode it closes; as soon as the pressure in the main circuit before the pump becomes greater than after it, the valve is open. As always, there are subtleties.

All spring check valves give a noticeable loss of pressure: the water needs to overcome the resistance of the spring. Which, of course, goes against our goals. The outlet is a ball valve mounted horizontally. Its resistance to water flow will be minimal, as will the pressure required to open the valve.

Conclusion

The circulation pump increases the efficiency of the autonomous heating system and makes it possible to use all heating circuits 100%. Professional installation of a pump in the heating system of a private home allows you to reduce repair and maintenance costs, as well as reduce operating noise and guarantee more efficient performance.

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General information

Until relatively recently, circulation pumps were used only in centralized heating schemes, and for private houses the natural movement of the coolant due to temperature differences was considered the norm. Today, forced circulation is used almost everywhere thanks to the advent of small and inexpensive devices that are designed specifically for servicing the heating system of private cottages.

By increasing the speed of movement of the coolant in the pipes, heat flows faster to the radiators, and accordingly, all rooms are heated almost instantly. The load on boiler equipment is reduced, since heating of the liquid also occurs faster.

Installation of a GRUNDFOS circulation pump in a heating system. Bypass installation

There is no longer any need to connect inconvenient and bulky large cross-section pipes. It has become easier to hide contours under the floor covering.

The main disadvantage of circulation pumps is their dependence on electricity. If the electricity supply is intermittent, then installation of a backup power source is required. The remaining disadvantages relate to the functionality and design of devices of various types. For example, monoblock and rotary pumps are noisier and require regular maintenance, while a pump with a wet type of operation is more demanding on the quality of the coolant.

Types of pumps

Based on their design features, all pumps are classified into two main groups: dry and wet rotor. For private houses, it is best to connect the pump to a wet-type heating boiler. It is small, almost silent and easy to maintain, but it does not have very high performance: efficiency is no more than 55-57%.

Devices with a dry rotor are more powerful, unpretentious to the quality of the coolant, can operate under high pressure, and are installed vertically. But they are quite noisy and vibrate a lot. Most pumps are mounted on a foundation or a support frame on the wall.

To install “In-line”, monoblock or console devices, there must be a special room - a boiler room. They are most often installed if the hot coolant circulates more than 120 m³/h, that is, these pumps are required to service multi-story buildings.

Pump. Feed or return? Where to put it correctly. Answers on questions

Main characteristics

When choosing a pump, it is necessary to study the technical parameters, comparing them with the requirements of the heating system.

The main criteria are:

productivity - the volume of coolant or pumping over a certain period of time;
pressure that covers hydraulic losses in the pipeline;
power;
operating coolant temperature.

Structural elements are also important, for example, the diameter of the inlet and outlet pipes. For heating systems, approximate parameters will be 25−32 mm.

Devices with built-in electronics make it possible to quickly switch the system to a more convenient mode, taking into account changes in temperature or pressure in the circuit. Automatic pumps are equipped with digital screens that provide information about the operation of the device.

Installation rules

There are certain norms and rules that describe at the legislative level where and where it is correct to install the circulation pump. The main part is regulated by SNiP 2.04.05. Almost all rules are based on the operating efficiency and performance of the heating system as a whole, including the pump. For example, the shaft of wet-type equipment must be cut into the pipeline clearly horizontally so that no air pockets appear inside.

A coarse filter must be included in the heating circuit even during the installation of monolithic models. The filtered coolant will cause much less damage to all pump elements than contaminated water.

Certain rules are specified by equipment manufacturers. For example, until relatively recently, some models of the old pump group could only be installed on the return line, since these pumps could not withstand elevated temperatures. Today, pumps are universal in nature and the location of this equipment can be done at any convenient site.

The pump itself can be installed both vertically and horizontally; only when choosing a device you need to make sure that the equipment can operate in both positions. You also need to take into account one nuance: during vertical installation, the power is reduced by approximately 35%. This must be taken into account when choosing a device.

Heating diagram Connecting batteries and heating radiators Single-pipe two-pipe heating system

Fastening schemes

When choosing one of the schemes for how to properly install a pump for heating a private house, you must definitely take into account ease of maintenance, the type of boiler and the type of heating system.

The first method is the most popular: the pump is installed on the return line, through which cold coolant is supplied to the boiler. Cool liquid does not act so aggressively on all elements of the device, so the equipment can last longer.

The second method is used if, for certain reasons, it is impossible to install a pump on the return line. In this case, it is fixed at the beginning of the circuit, but not near the boiler itself, but behind the safety group.

Another option for the heating system is when an expansion tank is installed at the highest point of the circuit. If you additionally install a pump, it will be possible to operate the system in two modes - forced and natural. In this case, you can choose which method to use in each specific case.

The last scheme can only be applied to systems with a solid fuel boiler. The pump is not installed on the supply pipeline due to the possibility of explosion. It’s just that with boilers of this type it is impossible to instantly stop the fuel combustion process, as a result of which the coolant begins to boil.

Hot liquid simultaneously with steam penetrates inside the pump unit, which reduces performance. The cold coolant in the circuit does not have time to flow back into the boiler in the required volume, and the boiler begins to heat up even more. The consequence of overheating is an explosion.

If cold liquid from the circuit is supplied to a heating boiler, condensation will form. To prevent this from happening, the water is first heated in the small circuit to +50 degrees, and then the thermostatic valve smoothly transfers the liquid to the large circuit. This way, the cold coolant mixes with already heated water, and boiling does not occur.

Tying methods

Piping is equipment that is required for the proper operation of the pump unit, as well as for the smooth functioning of the entire heating system.

First you need to finally decide how many pumps will be installed. For one circuit, one device is sufficient, but for a complex circuit it is better to install two or more.

If you plan to install a heated floor or use a boiler, then it is advisable to increase the number of units to two. If there are two boilers in the house, then separate pumping equipment will also be needed for each of them.

Ball valves are required for installation in the heating system. They are installed simultaneously with the pumping unit. A check valve is also required so that the coolant moves in one direction. The valve is installed on the pipe immediately after the pump in the direction of fluid movement.

Installing a circulation pump

It is necessary to install a coarse filter to prevent sand and dirt from entering the device body. Fine filters are not installed in the heating system. If purified water is required, it is pre-cleaned before pouring into the boiler.

There is a risk of air entering the system, so it becomes necessary to install an air valve that can turn on automatically. There are also manual options.

After installation of the equipment, an electrical connection is required. Do not connect to a regular outlet without grounding. This is a gross violation of safety regulations, which during an emergency can lead to dire consequences.

There are smarter connection options:

using a boiler connected to automation;
differential circuit breaker;
uninterruptible power supply.

It is best to use a circuit breaker. To do this, you need an 8 A switch, contacts and cables. If you plan to use a UPS, you can simultaneously connect it to both the pumping equipment and the boiler.

When connecting equipment to electricity, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of condensation entering the terminal box. Heat-resistant cable is used if the thermal fluid in the heating system heats up more than 95 °C. It is prohibited for the cable to come into contact with the pump housing, electric motor, or pipe walls.

Installation instructions

Correct installation of the circulation pump in the heating system is carried out using a bypass. This is due to several reasons: this way you can quickly dismantle it or temporarily disconnect the device from the network, for example, when problems with electricity arise.

There are different models of ready-made pump units on sale - for flange mounting or welding, with areas for mounting valves or taps, with additional space intended for a pump. But if it is impossible to buy a ready-made unit or there is no place to install it, then you can make the bypass piping yourself and secure all the elements.

To work you will need:

pliers;
a set of keys;
sealant;
tow.

American nuts, as a rule, are included with pumping equipment, but drives, adapters and taps must be purchased in advance. Attention should be paid to the quality of the material and the diameter of the products.

How to install the pump?

Installation steps:

The pump unit is serviced in operating mode. It is necessary to regularly clean the filter and monitor the pressure gauge readings. If the readings do not correspond to the norm, the device must be dismantled and its position adjusted.

After installation work is completed, the heating system is filled with water. Then the air is removed using the unscrewed central screw, which is located on the housing cover. The appearance of water indicates the complete removal of air pockets from the heating system. The pump can then be turned on.

As practice shows, most home craftsmen are quite capable of installing a circulation pump with their own hands. But when difficulties arise, it is better to seek help from professionals, since only experienced specialists know how to properly tie and install pumping equipment, observing all the nuances of the heating system.